Dr. Ramachandran is exploring unique signatures from cell-free DNA to identify abnormal gene patterns associated with certain stages or types of cancers. His long-term goal is to use this knowledge to understand tumor processes without biopsies, identifying cancer biomarkers.
A national study found 6.1% of parents hesitant about routine childhood immunizations while nearly 26% were hesitant about the influenza vaccine. The researchers suggest focusing on changing behavior rather than directly countering beliefs or attitudes to combat hesitancy.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study shows cord blood transplants to be comparable to matched sibling donors in terms of survival outcomes, with significantly fewer complications due to chronic graft-versus-host disease. Cord blood patients also experienced a lower rate of relapse in certain populations.
The largest ever study of radiosurgery for brain metastases from small cell lung cancer has been published in JAMA Oncology. The analysis found that patients treated with first-line stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) had a median overall survival of 8.5 months, compared to 6.2 months for those treated with whole-brain radiation (WBRT). Ad...
A phase III trial showed rituximab significantly improves the three-year survival rate for pediatric patients with advanced B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, decreasing treatment failures by 70 percent.
A new study suggests that taking extra choline supplements during pregnancy may mitigate the negative impact of viral respiratory infections, including COVID-19, on fetal brain development. Higher prenatal choline levels have been shown to protect the fetus's developing brain from the effects of virus infection.
Myeloma Drug Sensitivity Testing (My-DST) uses liquid biopsies to test drug effectiveness on patient samples. The approach shows promise in predicting real patient responses, and may guide drug development for multiple myeloma treatment.
The study recommends prioritizing pancreatic surgery for non-COVID-19 patients and informing them of additional risks. Surgeons also emphasize the need for protective features in operating rooms and proper triage for hospital resources during the pandemic.
A new study highlights the emergence of mosquito-borne viral outbreaks in West Africa, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. The research emphasizes the need for early warning systems and control measures to prevent infectious outbreaks.
Researchers at CU School of Medicine have discovered that precise motor learning stimulates cellular processes to improve recovery after nerve cell damage. The study found that mature oligodendrocytes can contribute to repairing the nervous system by generating new myelin sheaths.
A recent study found that genetic variations in estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) may be linked to clinically significant weight gain when using the etonogestrel contraceptive implant. Women with two copies of a specific variant on average gained over 30 pounds more while using the implant compared to others.
A study in seven Front Range emergency departments found that counseling parents on safe storage of guns and medications helped improve safety practices. The results showed a significant increase in parents reporting safer storage practices, with behavioral health counselors expressing enthusiasm for the training.
Researchers screened 25,000 children in the Denver metro area and found that early detection can reduce incidence of diabetic ketoacidosis by 20%, leading to improved disease control and reduced healthcare costs. The study highlights the potential for screening to improve overall quality of life and reduce long-term health risks.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study reveals significant variation in how drug side effects are reported, potentially leading to misinformation about a drug's safety. The study suggests standardizing reporting methods could improve the accuracy of risk assessments and drug licensing.
A recent study found pediatric cancer trial enrollment decreased from 40-70% in the 1990s to 19.9% in the current study. This decline is partly attributed to improved treatments for common childhood cancers, shifting focus to rarer and higher-risk cancers.
A case series of lung cancer patients taking osimertinib (Tagrisso) revealed a rare twist in the right side of their colon, cecal volvulus. Doctors using this drug with EGFR+ non-small cell lung cancer patients should watch for these cases alongside more expected side effects.
Researchers found that cells do not rely on a snapshot to decide whether to replicate, but instead continuously integrate the availability of growth factors. Cells remember past growth factor signaling and adjust their behavior accordingly.
A new study found that assessing adverse childhood experiences and current anxiety and depression symptoms can ease cognitive distress in women after surgical menopause. The research also emphasizes the need to consider psychological state during medical procedures, suggesting that pre-surgical risk-benefit discussions may be beneficial.
Researchers have discovered that cancer cells use fats as an energy source when detached from their point of origin, and that limiting access to a specific enzyme may starve them of this resource. The study suggests that an existing drug could be repurposed to treat chemo-resistant ovarian cancer.
A study published in Neuro-Oncology Advances suggests that chemotherapy can be effective against diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a devastating childhood brain cancer. Researchers found that the medicine reaches DIPG tissue in good quantities, offering new hope for treatment.
A study confirms racial disparities in treatment outcomes for pediatric brain cancer patients, with Black and Hispanic patients facing poorer prognoses after diagnosis and treatment, regardless of stage at diagnosis.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that African American patients were half as likely as non-Hispanic whites to receive PET-CT imaging for non-small cell lung cancer, while Hispanics received it 70% as frequently. This disparity may be due to limited access to specialized imaging equipment and unconscious bias.
Researchers found that young, first-time sugarcane workers with even slightly lower than average kidney function were at a greater risk for rapid onset of kidney injury. The study highlights the importance of routine blood pressure and renal function screenings for workers in high-risk occupations.
Researchers developed a new concept of resectability and identified objective pre-operative prognostic factors to predict long-term survival in pancreatic cancer patients. The study's nomogram can estimate patient outcomes before surgery, regardless of local anatomic features.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that patients who took fewer opioids pre-discharge also reported less opioid intake in the following weeks. The study suggests tailoring opioid prescriptions to individual patient needs, balancing pain management and reducing leftover pills.
A new study identifies barriers to quality healthcare for trafficked children, including lack of provider training and multidisciplinary collaboration. The research also provides recommendations for improving care, including the development of an assessment tool for healthcare professionals.
The Vaccine For Children (VFC) Program has increased vaccination rates and reduced social disparities among Medicaid-insured children. Pediatricians value the program for its ability to provide free vaccinations regardless of payment status, leading to improved overall vaccination rates.
A novel elective program for pediatric residents has increased time spent at home with newborns, leading to improved income and academic outcomes. The four-week rotation provides up to four weeks of paid leave, benefiting breastfeeding establishment and fetal health.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus finds that changes to Title X have led to confusion and loss of access to confidential family planning services for teens in Texas. The research suggests that similar issues may worsen nationwide as the new policies are implemented.
A multi-center study has identified a research-based ultrasound screening method that can predict which children with cystic fibrosis are at higher risk for advanced liver disease. The test shows promise in identifying patients who could benefit from targeted therapies to prevent the development of this life-threatening condition.
New research from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus suggests that changes in the environment may contribute to the rising incidence of type 1 diabetes. The study examined various environmental exposures and found that none of the associations were strong enough to explain the rapid increase alone.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who received lower-than-recommended doses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy experienced a complete response and tumor shrinkage similar to those receiving the full dose.
A new online tool, Lock to Live, has been developed to help suicidal adults make decisions about reducing access to firearms and other potential suicide methods. The self-administered web resource was tested in a pilot trial with promising results, including high interest and acceptance among participants.
Scientists are exploring genetic changes that make brain tumors resistant to BRAF inhibitors, a common treatment for certain types of brain cancer. The study aims to identify new potential targets for combination therapy to keep cancers from developing resistance.
A new study may help develop personalized blood stem cells for treating leukemias and other conditions. By amplifying a regular gene, researchers can push pluripotent stem cells to produce more blood cells.
New research suggests lactate is a catalyst that triggers cancer forming process in mutated cells. The study's findings open a new door to better understand cancer at the metabolic level and could lead to targeted therapies.
Researchers have developed a plant-derived compound, SVC112, that specifically targets head and neck cancer stem cells while sparing healthy cells. This selective approach yields better tumor control with reduced toxicity compared to existing FDA-approved treatments.
A recent study surveyed 1,446 adults and found that just 6.4% consider the religious affiliation of hospitals they choose, while 71.4% said their care should not be curtailed by religious dogma. The research highlights conflicts in care for women who are often denied certain reproductive healthcare at Catholic hospitals.
CU Anschutz researcher reveals that the story of Merit Ptah, a celebrated ancient Egyptian woman physician, was fabricated from a misunderstanding of historical records. Peseshet, an Old Kingdom courtier's mother, bears a striking resemblance to Merit Ptah and may have been mistakenly identified as the 'first woman doctor'.
The pooled analysis of three clinical trials shows entrectinib is effective in 77% of patients with ROS1+ NSCLC and 57% of patients with NTRK+ NSCLC, with significant response rates and progression-free survival times. Entrectinib's ability to penetrate brain metastases makes it a promising treatment for these patients.
A large study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that high doses of vitamin D do not reduce mortality or improve non-fatal outcomes in critically ill patients. The Vitamin D to Improve Outcomes by Leveraging Early Treatment (VIOLET) study included over 200 researchers and showed no difference in mortality rates, hos...
A phase III clinical trial shows tucatinib significantly improves survival rates in women with HER2+ breast cancer, especially those with brain metastases. The study found nearly tripled one-year progression-free survival and doubled two-year overall survivor compared to standard treatment.
A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals that incentive-based smoking cessation programs can significantly reduce infant morbidity and mortality. The Baby & Me Tobacco Free program provided financial incentives to pregnant women, resulting in a 24-28% reduction in preterm birth and neonatal ICU admiss...
A recent study published in Nutrition Today found that infant and toddler foods in pouches tend to have higher sugar content and fewer single-vegetable products compared to jarred or tray-packaged options. This highlights the need for caregivers to be aware of the nutritional profiles of these popular convenience foods.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study suggests two new approaches to treating bone metastases from prostate cancer: targeting different signaling pathways for lytic and blastic lesions. Both types of bone metastases show promise with anti-cancer immunotherapy, particularly those with high PD-L1 levels.
Researchers found that nurse home visits have long-term benefits for children born to high-risk mothers, improving cognitive function and academic performance. The program also resulted in significant savings of $17,310 per family in public benefit costs.
A study of 6,980 pediatric solid organ transplant recipients found that 15.6% were hospitalized with a vaccine-preventable infection within the first five years after transplant, 87 times higher than in the general population. The researchers call for improved immunization rates to reduce this risk.
A new model predicts children likely to go into septic shock, allowing for earlier treatment and potentially saving lives. The study analyzed 2,464 visits and found the model accurately predicted 90% of cases.
A multicenter randomized clinical trial found that the new artificial pancreas system improved participants' blood glucose control throughout the day and overnight, outperforming existing treatments. The system significantly increased time with target blood glucose levels and showed improvements in other diabetes control measurements.
A Colorado study found that lymphoma stage at diagnosis impacts types of second cancers that may form after treatment. Early-stage patients had a higher risk of solid tumors, while late-stage patients were more likely to develop hematologic malignancies.